The Catalan Strategy to Promote the Semiconductor Industry: Heading to European Leadership

The Catalan Government has presented the Strategy for the Promotion of the Semiconductor Industry in Catalonia, promoted by Semiconductor and Chip Alliance of Catalonia. The objective is to consolidate Catalonia as a leading center for the semiconductor industry in Europe. The initiative, framed in the National Pact for Industry 2022-2025, seeks to develop valuable industrial policies and support actions that improve the competitiveness of the sector in the region.

The strategy is divided into five pillars, aligned with European and international standards, with a total of 23 specific actions. It includes measures to strengthen the semiconductor ecosystem, attract international investments, develop advanced infrastructure, foster talent and facilitate technology transfer. Actions such as financial support through specific funds and the creation of cutting-edge infrastructure stand out, such as the Innofab project for the construction of a chip prototyping plant.

Catalonia aspires to be an international center for semiconductors, seeking to become a hub of talent in this field. Educational programs will be implemented, such as a master’s degree in Semiconductor Engineering, Microelectronic Design and the application of the Industrial Doctorate Plan for companies in the chip sector. The strategy also encourages collaboration between research and business to boost the competitiveness of Catalan knowledge in semiconductors.

According to the study “Semiconductors in Catalonia” by ACCIÓ, the current ecosystem has 86 companies and 4,400 professionals, the majority being SMEs and startups. The Semiconductor Alliance is positioned as essential for coordination between industry actors and the implementation of key projects for digital and social transformation. All companies and agents are encouraged to participate in the collaborative construction of this ecosystem.